I'm sure that having problems with bending over is not unusual with osteoarthritis in lower spine, but does anyone get pain that radiates to the chest also? I spent about fifteen minutes bending over sorting laundry off floor into baskets and when i was finished my chest was killing me. I have been told that I have costo, but didn't realize that back movement issues would cause that to flare.

Also, I get this strange shuddering feeling when I bend over. Like my back shudders and stutters while bending. It's really strange feeling, and I'm not sure if it's a muscle issue, or a bone issue. Very rarely do I take pain meds of any kind, but Naproxen is my friend today.

hi there Sarah,at least the naproxen is providing some relief from the chest discomfort. i know what you are talking about. the costo i suffer is worse when bending. it feels like all the little bones are crushing and moving. also when i turn on my side in bed and when reaching too. take note on what activities trigger flares! sad to say but since i have been pretty much on bed rest, the costo pain has been infrequent. i wish you well and take good care!erin

Sarah, sorry that the pain is getting worse. If you get a chance try to find a picture of the muscles in the body. I think that you will be surprised to see where some of the muscles in your chest and back originate and insert. We have muscles that are postural muscles. These muscles often "wrap" around the body. They will start in the back and end attached to the ribs. These are what help us to stand upright and be able to bend over and stand back up. Check it out. It has helped me to visualize where my pain is and what muscle group I need to either stretch and exercise or put heat on and relax. It helps you to localize the pain a little better. For example, when I feel a pain in my sternum, I often find that the actual tense muscle is behind my scapula. If my hubby massages the area kind of behind the scapula I can get a little relief from the chest pain. Another example, is this pain that I get going down the back of my leg. It is not my leg that is sore but the sciatic nerve getting set off by one of my glute muscles. If I massage the glute the pain gets a little better for a while until I can get off my feet.Don't know if this helps but it is worth a shot.You are in my thoughts.Oreo

Worry not for tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself.

Remember healing comes one step at a time, sometimes it seems that its one forward and 2 back but ultimately, always in a forward direction!!!